P39: First victory of pre-season for RGC Canaries edged out by reigning champions TNS
Gibbs returns but Port slip to home defeat
CAERNARFON Town were beaten 1-0 by The New Saints in their opening Cymru Premier League match of the season.
But if there is ever a positive to be had in defeat, Sean Eardley and his men will find plenty of them from this narrow reverse to the reigning champions.
The Cofis were under no illusion as to the task that faced them at Park Hall today but, not for the first time in recent seasons, they proved a match for the professionals in a tight, and sometimes tetchy tussle.
Town started brightly and Leo Smith could have put the visitors ahead in the third minute when he got on the end of a Gareth Evans cross but could not quite steer his headed effort on target.
Sion Bradley was next to threaten when he picked the ball up 30 yards from goal and ran into the penalty box before forcing Paul Harrison into a smart save with his legs.
Town’s number one Alex Ramsay was called into action two minutes later as he tipped Mullan’s thunderbolt over the crossbar.
Caernarfon were looking the more dangerous outfit in these opening exchanges with Smith influential in breaking up play and driving his team forward from a central position.
Harrison came to the champions’ rescue on numerous occasions, denying a Crowther long ranger, and making a double save to keep out close-range efforts from Bradley and Smith.
The hosts went ahead in the 27th minute when Ryan Brobbel expertly curled his free kick around Town’s defensive wall, giving Ramsay little chance.
The Cofis were in no mood to take a back seat, however, and remained positive in their approach.
Breese forced Harrison into a full-stretch, Gruff John was frustrated to see his effort sail inches wide of the upright with the home keeper stranded on his line and a Ryan Williams shot suffered the same fate just before half-time.
For the home side, Draper should have done better with a far post header but, apart from this, Town’s defence, marshalled expertly by debutante Mike Pearson, dealt well with the threats they faced.
Caernarfon appealed for a penalty early in the second period when Evans was bundled over in the area as he looked to get on the end of a corner but referee Robert Jenkins wasn’t convinced, much to the frustration of the Cofi players and supporters.
As was expected, the Saints continued to enjoy plenty of possession but very rarely managed to find a way through Town’s stubborn defence, although the ever dangerous Aeron Edwards did go close with a header at the far post on the hour mark.
Ebbe went closest to doubling
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Picture: Phil Blagg their lead when Ramsay pulled off a good save to keep his effort out in the 64th minute but this was pretty much their final opportunity of the afternoon.
The introduction of Darren Thomas late in the match gave Caernarfon some added spark and he soon started casting his spell as he jinked past three home players before squaring the ball in the box to Smith, who saw his low effort beat Harrison but flash inches wide of the far upright.
Unfortunately for the Cofis, they ran out of time and the home side finished the match victorious.